Social Security and Medicare

    

     When Democrats talk about "Medicare for all," it's not empty rhetoric. The system more or less works.
     Once again, we should follow the Massachusetts example, where Medicare Advantage is unnecessary. If you have Medicare, you have health coverage without going through a private insurance company. 
     My biggest concern - through personal experience - is that we do not do enough to stop Medicare fraud. Contrary to Republican legend, Medicare fraud is rarely perpetrated by low-income individuals. No, Medicare fraud is the playground of wealthy and sophisticated white collar criminals.
     And Medicare Advantage plans are often their willing accomplices, since they get paid by Medicare whether it's fraud or legitimate.
     This section records legislation that impacts Social Security (including SSDI), Medicare, and Medicare Advantage. If a bill impacts Social Security, Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid, it's here, and not on the Medicaid page. The Medicaid page focuses solely on that critical part of our safety net.     

Proposed legislation:

• August 16, 2025 - September 19, 2025: 
• July 17, 2025 - August 15, 2025:  Republicans: "Save our Seniors" (Orwellian); Commemorate 90th ann'y of SSA (Orwellian). Democrats: Medicare coverage of non-cosmetic breast reconstruction; coverage of human milk fortifier for preemies; "Hands Off Social Security Act"; H.R.4849; extend SNAP benefits by excluding "certain" (e.g. SSA) money from calculation; H.R.4968; resolution affirming Trump's promise not to raise retirement age. Bipartisan: Increase access to orthotic and prosthetic care; coverage of hearing aids; eliminate 190-day cap on mental health inpatient services; expand SSA to provide more residency programs;  reducing hereditary cancer; SNF-at-home for Medicare patients; extend SSA benefits to US territories.